EV ownership surges in Scotland

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【Summary】Scots lead in EV ownership with 5% having an electric vehicle as their main car, while only 1% of Welsh drivers do. The UK saw an 87.9% increase in EV registrations, with one sold every minute in July. However, only 3% of respondents have an EV as their main car and 6% have a hybrid. The majority of public charging points are in Greater London, but only 2% of Londoners own an EV as their main car.

FutureCar Staff Aug 21, 2023 9:19 AM PT

In a recent investigation conducted by car finance provider Carmoola, the growing popularity of electric and hybrid vehicles in England, Wales, and Scotland was explored. The investigation was prompted by a report stating that one electric vehicle (EV) was sold every minute in July.

According to a survey of 2,202 respondents across Great Britain, it was found that the Scottish population is leading the way in terms of driving pure electric vehicles. Out of the respondents, 5% of Scots claimed to have an EV as their main car. On the other hand, the Welsh were found to be the least likely to own an electric vehicle, with only 1% of those surveyed having an EV as their main vehicle.

Over the past 12 months, car sales have been on the rise, with the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) reporting an 87.9% increase in battery electric vehicle (BEV) registrations, totaling 23,010. This surge in sales means that one new EV was sold every minute in July 2023.

Despite the increased adoption of EVs in the UK, the survey revealed that only 3% of the respondents have an electric vehicle as their main car, while 6% own a hybrid. The UK currently has over 45,737 public charging points, with the majority located in the Greater London region (31.4%). Surprisingly, despite having the largest number of charging points, only 2% of Londoners have an EV as their main car, with a preference for hybrid models (9%).

As expected, regions with the lowest number of public charging points have the smallest percentage of people adopting EVs. The survey also highlighted that the 45-54 age group has the highest percentage (4%) of electric vehicle ownership, while only 1% of 25 to 34-year-olds own an EV as their main car. In terms of hybrid vehicle ownership, Yorkshire & Humberside ranked the highest (11%), while the North East had the lowest percentage of hybrid owners, with 0% of those surveyed having a hybrid as their main car.

Aidan Rushby, CEO at Carmoola, emphasized the importance of considering the overall cost of buying a new car. While the increase in models and choices available in the market will encourage further adoption of electric and hybrid vehicles, Rushby believes that additional incentives such as more charging points and allowances will be necessary to drive further uptake over traditional petrol and diesel models.

The survey had a total sample size of 2,272 adults and was conducted online between July 18-19, 2023. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all adults in Great Britain aged 18 and above.

Source: Zapmap database, 31st July 2023

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